£3.8m Swindon youth centre marks first anniversary with growing demand

A youth centre created with and for young people in Swindon is celebrating its first anniversary, having already supported hundreds of children each month since opening.

The Base, located in Lyndhurst Crescent in Park North, opened in March 2025 following a £3.8 million refurbishment led by Swindon Borough Council in partnership with local organisations and young people themselves.

Since opening, the centre has welcomed an average of more than 300 children every month, with demand continuing to grow. Youth clubs have become particularly popular, with around 50 young people regularly attending the weekly Thursday evening sessions.

Designed as a space where young people feel safe, supported and heard, The Base brings together a range of services under one roof. Local organisations including WAY, STEP and Young Swindon and Wiltshire work alongside the Council’s Children and Families Services to deliver activities, mentoring and specialist support.

The centre is open to young people aged 11 to 18, and up to 25 for those with additional needs, offering a wide range of facilities including music studios, a gym, youth spaces, bike maintenance areas and dedicated rooms for mentoring and group sessions.

Practical learning is also a key part of the centre’s approach. A hair and beauty salon is helping young people develop vocational skills, while the on-site kitchen is used for mentoring sessions focused on cooking, independence and everyday life skills. One young person has even started developing their own cake brand, with products now being sold locally.

The Base was designed with input from young people, ensuring the space reflects their needs and interests. This co-designed approach is already showing results, with many using the centre not just for activities, but as a place to build confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging.

One young person said the centre had given them an experience they hadn’t found elsewhere, describing it as a place where they feel comfortable and free from judgement.

One year on, The Base is becoming an important hub for young people across Swindon, combining practical support, creative opportunities and community connection in one space.

Image: Cllr Robbins and Cllr Dixon with a representative from Young Swindon and Wiltshire, and children who attend The Base.